Activin stimulates Sertoli cell proliferation in a defined period of rat testis development.

• DOI: 10.1210/endo.136.12.7588293
• Publication Date: 2014-01-08T11:06:50Z
• Authors: C Boitani; M Stefanini; A Fragale; A R Morena
• Keywords: Follistatin; Testicle

The action of activin-A on Sertoli and spermatogonial cell proliferation during early postnatal life was studied by using in vitro organ culture testis fragments from 9-day-old rats. Activin significantly stimulated 3H-thymidine incorporation into cultured for 3 days the presence FSH, whereas it had no effect absence hormone. This dose dependent range 10-200 ng/ml specifically inhibited activin-binding protein, follistatin. activin upon different testicular cells detail 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine-labeling at end then determining percentages labeled immunostained histological sections. Concomitant treatment with FSH activin, but not or alone, markedly depressed that differentiating type A spermatogonia. In contrast, proliferative activity undifferentiated spermatogonia independent irrespective FSH. donor animal age investigated culturing derived 3- 18-day-old rats days. An age-related response evident. alone 3-day-old rats, having apparent this age. none hormones tested either combination effective animals. These results demonstrate acts maintaining mitotic potentiality a defined phase their maturation path, when is approaching final arrest. findings suggest may be an important local factor regulating number mitosis subsides proliferation.